| Is it okay to write a script with yourself in the lead?

Is it okay to write a script with yourself in the lead?

Jenna Leigh asked:


I’m writing a version of Cinderella set this day and age and she’s going to be a high school student. It’s also going to be a musical. I’m writing it for our high school drama club that I’m a part of and I really want to play to the lead. I told my writing partner about it and she said it’s never been done before at our school. And that’s true, the writer never stars in the play themshelves but I can’t imagine anyone else playing the role but me. Is that being egostistical or is it okay?

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Comments

7 Responses to “Is it okay to write a script with yourself in the lead?”

  1. Corey S on April 12th, 2009 2:08 am

    i think they already wrote that play like 400 times, do something original. and then quit drama

  2. Baddnewz on April 15th, 2009 9:58 am

    Why shouldnt it be ok?!! you wrote it right?! who better can relate to the character than you!

  3. L H on April 19th, 2009 8:17 pm

    Hey that’s how Good Will Hunting came about.

  4. Theatre Doc on April 22nd, 2009 4:30 am

    Big ego problem. Your classmates will surely resent it.

  5. royalblue on April 22nd, 2009 9:15 am

    For a high school play, I can see that leading to jealousy and other problems. Plus, you will have enough to worry about being the author and overseer of the vision. How about taking a smaller role like one of the Wicked Stepsisters? In the professional world, people write/produce/direct pieces for themselves all the time (Woody Allen, Barbra Streisand). You may want to consider holding off on a “vanity production” until you are working with more seasoned people.

  6. Deepak Morris on April 23rd, 2009 12:58 am

    Go for it.

    I do it all the time.

    It’s not only okay, it may be required. Sure, there’ll be resentment and some may try to boycott the rehearsals and so on. That’s a good lesson in management as well.

    If a part says “you” it’s a crime to deny it your presence.

    Not saying it’s easy, just that it’s done and it works.

  7. Marianne D on April 24th, 2009 7:04 pm

    As a writer, you usually have no say in who will be cast. You actually have to talk to the director and see if they are willing to make that part of the deal. You also have to be ready for heavy backlash and criticism from girls who wanted to play that role but have no shot if it’s precast. Even if you go through the audition process and earn it, there will be whispers…

    Writers always have a vision of who they think the character should be, but it’s up to the director to bring that vision to life the way they see fit. That’s who you need to talk to. In my personal opinion, you need to audition like everybody else. The upside? You know the show and the character like nobody else!

    good luck!
    Marianne